Russia to start new vaccine trial this week

Russia will give its coronavirus vaccine to volunteers this week in a new phase of the testing process, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has told local media.

Murashko told RIA Novosti news agency on Monday that the vaccinations would be part of the post-registration stage of clinical trials. He gave no further details.

Russia licensed the Sputnik-V vaccine for local use in August, the first country to do so and before data had been published.

Last week, Russian scientists published the first report on their vaccine, saying early tests showed signs of an immune response.

Experts say the trials were too small to prove effectiveness and safety, and some Western experts have raised concerns that Russian researchers might be cutting corners.

source: BBC